Gwen Marcus

EVP & General Counsel, Showtime Networks

During the past year, Marcus not only has knocked out a series of complex distribution deals for Showtime’s streaming service with Apple, Roku, Playstation Vue, Amazon, Hulu and Google, she’s overseen all of the company’s legal affairs, compliance and regulatory issues, and intellectual property rights. She’s also played pivotal roles in greenlighting several upcoming programs and handling the international distribution of the Showtime brand and programs. “While there’s been progress in advancing women to senior management roles throughout our industry, I think all sectors of the business need to do a better job in advancing women to the very top,” she says.

Which sector of the cable industry best demonstrates gender equality? Which could use some enlightenment? 

Rather than identify one specific sector of our industry, I’m going to focus on management.  My sense is that while there’s been progress in advancing women to senior management roles throughout our industry, I think all sectors of the business need to do a better job in advancing women to the very top.

What advice would you give your 13-year-old self? 

At some point there will be people who appreciate your quirkiness; what’s special about you will stand you in good stead.  Also, keep those threadbare jeans with the holes that made your mother crazy — they’ll be back in fashion and sell at vintage prices.

Which current programming best reflects the kind of women’s roles you like to see and why?

Wendy Rhoades in the Showtime series “Billions” represents the kind of women’s roles that I enjoy—her love life may be a bit screwy, but she’s strong and smart—powerful as the alpha men in the show, but far more insightful.